“Leading into the World Cup final I’m honestly feeling a mix of excitement and pressure, but mostly gratitude to even be in this position,” says Ginger Kennett. “The last few months have been huge for me. Being away from home for a long period of time is definitely the most challenging part but I’ve been learning so much, and really trying to build consistency at this level – which takes huge sacrifices.”
Leading up to the World Cup Final, Ginger competed with Corazon Gran at CVI Ermelo in the Netherlands (24-26 April), finishing sixth of 28 with a strong score of 7.549. More recently, she competed on both of her new horses – Djebel De Hus and Diego Garcia 4 – for the first time in the CVI3* at Lier in Belgium (11-14 May) with very promising marks of 7.084 and 7.044.
At the FEI World Cup Final in Opglabbeek, Ginger will also contest the CVI3* class with Djebel De Hus.
“I think my team and I have developed a lot through the season, and now it feels less about changing things and more about trusting the work we’ve already put in,” she says.
“It’s a great honour to be part of a final like this, and I’m really glad I was able to make the planning work. I was already over here in Europe planning to compete at this event before the World Cup Final was announced, so for everything to align the way it has feels really special.”
For the World Cup Final, Ginger will be reunited with 17-year-old grey gelding Corazon Gran – the horse with whom she contested the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark. In Opglabbeek, they’ll be lunged by Germany’s Svenja Wolf.
“Of course, there are nerves because it’s a major final and the standard is incredibly high,” continues Ginger, “but I’m trying to focus on producing a performance that feels connected, relaxed and honest rather than getting too caught up in results. At this level everyone is talented, so a lot of it comes down to who can stay present in the moment and really perform under pressure.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most through this experience has been building such a strong connection with both my lunger and the horse I’ll be competing on. Being able to create a lot of trust and understanding between us, and I think that connection is a really important part of being able to perform well as a team.
“More than anything, I want to go into the Final, enjoy the atmosphere, take in the experience, and leave the arena knowing we gave everything we had.”
Watch the FEI Vaulting World Cup Final via ClipMyHorse.TV here.
Results from the FEI Vaulting World Cup Final will be available here.
